The context behind NASA-CJ Maraga photos circulating online

Following the Supreme Court ruling invalidating the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta, Chief Justice David Maraga has been a marked man.

As President Uhuru hurled the not-so-veiled threats at the judiciary and specifically at CJ Maraga, his supporters on social media have turned into internet “sleuths” and “unearthing” photos that purport to show that the Chief Justice was in cahoots with the opposition to cause mischief.

The photos however were taken on November 1, 2016 at the Supreme Court as National Super Alliance leader Raila Odinga and his CORD co-principals paid a courtesy call to the Chief Justice shortly after he was confirmed to his position.

Maraga was sworn in on October 19 to replace retired Chief Justice Willy Mutunga who left office in July to avert a constitutional crisis.

The meeting lasted about an hour and a half where CJ Maraga shared his vision for the judiciary and promised to handle election petitions in a free and fair manner.

He welcomed the opposition leaders saying he will make the Judiciary a home for all, both in government and the opposition.

“The Judiciary I will lead will be the Judiciary for all. I thank the opposition for their support in my confirmation hearings and look forward to their continued support,” Justice Maraga stated at the time.

The CJ asked the politicians to help push the government to provide more resources for a stronger and well-equipped Judiciary.

Maraga noted this will help restore public confidence in the run-up to the August 8, 2017 general election.

In one of the photos, many comments seemed to create the impression that CJ Maraga and NASA were watching poll results trickle in.

The fakes news kicked into high gear as some outspoken Jubilee bloggers seemed to “confirm” the photos as taken during the elections.